Arkansas Temporary License Plate

What Is a Temporary License Plate in Arkansas?

Arkansas issues a temporary preprinted paper buyer’s tag under Ark. Code § 27-14-1705, allowing short-term operation of a vehicle on public roads until permanent registration. The tag bridges the period between purchase from a dealer and the buyer’s visit to the state revenue office to complete title and registration.

Licensed dealers, approved vendors, and the Office of Motor Vehicles issue the buyer’s tag. Dealers and manufacturers also have transport tags under § 27-14-1701 for moving inventory. Each tag is a paper document covered with a transparent material, placed on the rear window or at the permanent license plate location.

What Types of Temporary License Plates Are There in Arkansas?

One additional buyer’s tag (registration extension) may be issued under § 27-14-1705(b)(2) if the buyer qualifies for lien exemption extension under § 27-14-903(a)(2).

When Is a Temporary License Plate Required in Arkansas?

• A buyer purchasing from a licensed Arkansas dealer must obtain a temporary preprinted paper buyer’s tag within ten calendar days of the purchase date if the buyer is not transferring a plate from a previously registered vehicle under § 27-14-1705(j).
• A dealer unable to issue a tag directs the buyer to any state revenue office or approved vendor with an invoice.
• Dealers and manufacturers transporting inventory on public roads must have a special temporary preprinted paper tag under § 27-14-1701.
• An out-of-state commercial carrier without IRP registration must purchase a 72-hour trip permit before entering Arkansas, according to ARDOT guidelines.

How to Get a Temporary License Plate in Arkansas?

1. Gather the invoice, proof of vehicle ownership (title or MCO), proof of liability insurance, and valid photo ID.
2. Choose your path: seller’s office (primary path), any state revenue office, or approved vendor location.
3. Provide purchase documents; the issuer prints tag information and enters a record into the vehicle temporary tag database on the sale date.
4. Pay the fee described in the next section during permanent registration.
5. Receive the paper buyer’s tag and clear cover at the counter; attach the tag to the rear window or plate location before driving.

The FAQ DSMV page of the DFA contains details on required documents and timelines.

How Much Does a Temporary License Plate Cost in Arkansas?

The buyer’s tag fee is not collected at issuance; DFA administrative rule 27 CAR § 15-103 caps the cost at $1.00 when collected at vehicle registration.

How to Get a Temporary License Plate Online in Arkansas?

No, Arkansas does not offer a temporary preprinted paper buyer’s tag through an online self-service portal.

The buyer’s tag is issued at the point of sale at the dealership or in person at any of the approximately 134 state revenue offices across the state. Buyers whose dealers cannot issue a tag visit the nearest office with an invoice and ID.

Commercial carriers can purchase 72-hour trip permits online through the DFA MyDMV portal at mydmv.arkansas.gov. The DFA online services page also supports full vehicle registration.

For a standard vehicle purchase, the primary path is through an Arkansas dealership.

How Long Can I Run a Temporary License Plate in Arkansas?

Late registration after the buyer’s tag expiration incurs a $3 penalty for every ten days plus a 10% sales tax penalty, according to published DFA rules. A buyer failing to obtain a tag may be fined up to $25 under § 27-14-1705(i)(2).